Liping Maharlika ...... young turks continues ......

"The tradition continues .........."
by Manong

In their desire to continue the boundless knowledge of the art, these group of young men and women of the Liping Maharlika share their precious time and knowledge to the young turks. In the quest and hope that they shall carry-on the legacy that our forebears has handed unto them.


Both successful businessmen and professionals, they never fail to share a little of their family time to others in service to Maharlika and their country. Truly, they are worthy to be called "noble people".

Maharlika Instructors Ana Tuangco, Prof. Luz Arroyo and Capt. Rick Sarte take their time-out while teaching their arnis students at the Luneta ground. Beautiful faces and unwavering enthusiasm; their energy is boundless and a big heart in sharing their knowledge.

The practice of the art declined in popularity as early as 1706 when the Spanish authorities under the governorship of Don Simon Anda y Salazar discouraged and eventually banned the practice of the art in 1764 by passing a decree that natives found practicing kali would be considered outlaws or “tulisanes”.

In dread of its deadly potentials, the conquerors suppressed its practice ………… only a brave and resolute few succeeded in passing on its secrets to future generations. To them we owe our present knowledge of this ancient art.

The suppression drove many Filipinos to practice the art secretly, usually in remote areas. Knowledge of the art was handed down from generation to another like a family heirloom and was played clandestinely and only among a select few.12 Each area gave rise to particular style or method. The later exponents of arnis many of them unlettered “maestros” who nevertheless highly efficient and courageous fighters, never taught strangers except for selected individuals. Many of them could not last the training because of its rigorous, painful and most terrifying test.13

12 Mascardo, Romeo C.; “Brief History of Arnis”. Arnis for Physical Education. Manila, 1977. p. 6.
13 Cureton, Thomas K. Jr.; “Siglakas”. (New York Paddington Press Ltd.) pp. 3-6.

"Young Turks of the Liping Maharlika"

A moment of history like this, thirty years ago, this was our playing ground. We spent most of our youthful days in this very ground. We developed our ideals and dreams, we enjoyed our camaraderie and meeting new friends. They became our brothers and sisters in arnis and eat in the same plate and also share all the hardships and heart aches of life.

Respect and honor we earned through years of devotion and loyalty to Maharlika. Compounded with our desire to reach our own personal goal of higher education to uplift our character and succeed in our own field of endeavor. And so we did ................

We listen to our instructors and elders. Because we believe and respect them. Follow without hesitations or questions. The success of each and everyone, is the success of Liping Maharlika.

Now we are given the new challenge, ......... on-guard we shall be ......... to protect these young turks from the inequities of life. Like us, we hope to mold them into responsible leaders of this nation. Seeing them succeed in life ........ is our profound happiness! MISSION Accomplished!

Now they are ready ........ to face the challenge brought unto them. The secret of success lies in their desire to pursue their dreams and be united as one. Practice! ...... practice! ....... practice! Will surely makes all things perfect! No single stone left unturned. This is the beginning of one's development of self-discipline.

Now as our mission is halfway ........ we are still here to give light to their desire to learn more. Supervise and guide them that they may not suffer the same heart aches and hardships we have hurdled through the years. Be patient young turks ....... you will have your days ahead of you!

Rizal Park (Luneta) Arnis Club
(1973-2006)

The new breed of Liping Maharlika

Liping Maharlika ....... the next generation!

The Liping Maharlika Instructors unceasingly and untiringly teaches the young generations on the art of arnis. This is their legacy and they have all the rights to learn it for free. Pictures below illustrates their commitment in the quest of imparting the knowledge to the next generation. That’s how they spent their leisure time and contribute that legacy to their country.


They are full of enthusiasm and worked hard for the fulfillment of their mission. These same youngsters are the source of their energy and passion to keep on moving. Hoping that someday may cherish and treasure them the legacy left by our forbears.


They believe in the “Teleological theory”, i.e. good actions results to a good consequences and vice versa. So it is imperative to impart to these new breeds of maharlikas the noble cause in which the organization was founded. The rich cultural customs and practices that are embodied in arnis make themselves why they were called Filipinos. It is a good training ground for future leaders if not at least a good and responsible citizenry.

The instructors and examiners. From L-R: Mike Dela Cruz (examiner), Rey Postrado (Asst. Instructor), Benjie Silo (examiner), Dr. Leo Estepa, Junch Martinada (Instructor-in-charge), Zaldie Franco (examiner) and Rafraf Navizaga (examiner).

The Casa Del Niño Montessori & Science High School (CDNMSHS) Arnis Club.
(2003)

Examinees are painstakingly taking their written examination as part of their grading and promotion program to enrich their knowledge not only on the practical aspect but in theories and history of their art.

Instructor–in-charge, Junch Martinada, delivers his briefing to the examinees for grading and promotion in the “Basic Arnis Course” among the members of the Casa Del Niño Montessori & Science High School (CDNMSHS) Arnis Club.

Even the youngest examinee painstakingly answers the written examination given to him. After which they will take the practicum in pairs and execute all the knowledge they have learned. Their grading/promotion is simply classified into: Basic students (Level I & II); then Advance students (Level 1-3); and then the Instructors level (5 levels) and finally the Masters level.

Maharlika goes to "Anakalang Festival"

"2nd AnaKalang Arnis Festival"

Nagcarlan, Laguna
( October 1996)

Our patron and Honorable Mayor of Nagcarlan (center) together with the 2 NARAPHIL regional president Joey Sumiller (Left - NARAPHIL-NCR) and Florencio Villeno (Right - STAG Arnis Federation). Seated is Bro. Alex dela Cruz and seated far right is Jun Martinada.

Mike dela Cruz of the Nayong Pilipino Arnis Club officiating the Oath of Sportsmanship. Standing besides him, from left are Elmer Ybanez, Florencio Villeno and Filomeno Buena.

Officiating and Tournament officials together with GM Benjamin Lema witnessing the event and preparing for the start of the tournament.

Participants making their Oath of Sportsmanship as the tournament begins afterwards. Nine teams from Metro-Manila and two from nearby municipality participated in the whole day event.

Nayong Pilipino Arnis Team preparing themselves for the full contact event with teammate Angelo (red with striped pants) and Jonathan (white pants) assisting Mike dela Cruz for the first bout.

Mike losing nobly in the first bout, however, his teammate Angelo winning the next bout.

Referee Fil Buena manages a bout between the PUP Arnis Varsity Team (Blue vest) and the LSAI-Paco Team (Red vest).

This page is DEDICATED to our fallen comrade in arnis
"Bro. Elmer Ybanez"
who passed away last 2003

Maharlika and STAG Arnis Federation

"Advance Arnis Instructors Seminar/Workshop"
Puerto Real Resort, Nagcarlan, Laguna
23-24 October 1996

The Liping Maharlika group of San Pedro, Laguna was invited by the Southern Tagalog (STAG) Arnis Federation (regional chapter of NARAPHIL) to conduct a 2-days seminar/workshop for the different arnis groups of STAG.


It was participated by twenty-six instructors and successfully established the camaraderie of this instructors. They were trained in handling officiating and management of arnis tournaments for the "Anakalang Arnis Festival" of Nagcarlan, Laguna.


The success of the seminar led to the regular annual arnis tournament in Nagcarlan during their "Anakalang Festival" for 3 consecutive years. However, its failure in later years was due to the lack of funds availed by the local government as they change hand in political governance.


Like any other sports in our country, they are plagued by political patronage. Consistency of the program come-and-go as they change in leadership sometimes at the expense of the athlete. A good example of that today was NARAPHIL itself. The rest is history ............... but like any good institution, nothing can put it down. No other arnis institution can duplicate or even surpass its achievements, even today!

Some of the particpants with Dr. Leo Estepa before their early morning road-run practice for the 5-K run.

After the 5-K road-run practice participants takes a brief rest and picture taking with the organizers, Florencio "Boy" (seated center with white T-shirt) and his brother Juanito "Jun" Villeno (seated 2nd from left), Arnis Master Rizalino "Lino" Estacio (seated with red T-shirt) and Jun Martinada (standing 2nd from left). Bro. Florencio "Boy" Villeno is also the STAG Arnis Federation president and founder of the Alamid Arnis Group of Nagcarlan.

Liping Maharlika continuously supports NPAC ........

Nayong Pilipino Arnis Club

(1977-1997)

Featured in this article are some of their guest clubs for their monthly activities and support performances of the PHILMAT.


Nayong Pilipino's ecological structures as a national cultural park provides a good venue for some of the training schedules of the PHILMAT for a good exposure to local and international tourists who usually visit the place. They train regularly on weekends while most of their regular weekdays takes place at the NARAPHIL Central Office at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Road-runs and weekly demonstration of their routines attracts revelers and tourists.


During off school days or vacation, Nayong Pilipino sattelite office provides the PHILMAT a venue for their 4-5 days in-house rigid training and reorientation program activities together with the NARAPHIL Corps of Instructors.

SPO1 Silver Abainza (PNP) entertains some of the Japanese tourist unknowingly he is an actual participant in the PHILMAT next number known as the "Police-Umbrella Application" technique.

Members of the PHILMAT performs the "Police-Umbrella Application" technique. Umbrella can be used in the absence of the stick or even a rolled magazine/newspaper can be an effective means of self-defense as the above tableau shows.

Holy Spirit Elementary School Arnis Club
(Brgy. Commonwealth)

Lightning Scientific Arnis International members
performs with GM Benjamin L. Lema

Polytechnic University of the Phil. Arnis Varsity Team
together with their Adviser and former member of the
PHILMAT - Ma. Luz S. Arroyo

Rizal Memorial Sports Complex Arnis Club with the
Dr. Leo Estepa and Jun Martinada. Both are active members
of the PHILMAT and NARAPHIL Corps of Instructors.

Quezon City Academy Arnis Club members together with
their Adviser and CAT Commandant - Jun Martinada. He
is an active member of the PHILMAT and NARAPHIL Corps
of Instructors.



And Liping Maharlika unceasingly supports the NPAC actvities........

Liping Maharlika sponsors NPAC monthly activites

Nayong Pilipino Arnis Club

Nayong Pilipino Arnis Club is the most active clubs among the Maharlika arnis groups and NARAPHIL. They sponsor a monthly arnis exhibitions at Nayong Pilipino and sometimes other martial arts groups such as the Philippine Amateur Judo Association and Philippine Aikido Sports Association.


The Philippine Martial Arts Troupe (PHILMAT) of NARAPHIL are the regular guest performers of the club and never missed to perform and amazed the weekly revelers who watched their 20 minutes showcase of arnis from the ancient practice to present. Their skills in the execution and play of the bladed weapon (tabak/kris) awed some of the spectators with their metal sparkles as their weapons collide. Complete with their ethnic costumes and sounds of gongs, kulintangan and drums, they make their performance real and breathtaking.


Usually invited to perform are the different affiliate clubs and groups of NARAPHIL. NPAC activities are included the Nayong Pilipino annual journal publications and also the NARAPHIL Annual Program of arnis activites.

IRES Arnis Club of Tondo, Manila
(1983)

Above picture is the guest club of the Nayong Pilipino Arnis Club for their monthly exhibitions. The Isabelo delos Reyes Elementary School (IRES) Arnis Club headed by their Adviser and Instructress Ms. Demetria Banal. Three from these children became a member of the PHILMAT and one made it to the NARAPHIL Corps of Instructors - Rafael "Raf" Navizaga, Jr.


He is a Mapua graduate as an Electronics Communication engineer (ECE) and currently living in Philadelphia. He is still very much active in the organizations activity and one of the avid sponsors of the Liping Maharlika.

IRES members showing their basic arnis techniques.

IRES members entertaining the weekly revelers at the Cebu House gound.

Members of the PHILMAT supports the guest clubs with their own arnis numbers complete with costumes and ethnic music.

PHILMAT members perform the "Sabir". They showcase this number with dexterity and spectacular use of the bladed weaponry. This is one of the highlights of their arnis numbers.

PHILMAT performers (Ariel Duran and Noel Estepa) execute their number with precision and speed giving and awesome response from the audience as their blade clashes with metal sparkles.

This project is in cooperation with the Liping Maharlika, Nayong Pilipino Foundation, Inc. and NARAPHIL